Chapter 12

After her shift was over, Callie sped towards her house hoping to find that Mark was still there. She made up her mind. She was going to take the risk and love Mark Sloan with every fiber in her. Four minutes later, she found herself racing, as fast as her 6th month old stomach would allow her, up the walkway to the front door. As hard as she tried, she couldn't get the damn door to unlock, after many tries, the key unlocked it and she pushed the door open.

Callie scanned the lower level of the house, after finding nobody there, she headed upstairs and hurried to her bedroom. She pushed the door open with a smile on her face, but it quickly disappeared as she realized that he wasn't there. Deep in the back of her mind, she knew something like this happened, she only hoped that it wasn't going to. Making her way to the phone she picked it up and quickly dialed his number. Hi, you've reached Mark Sloan, leave a message at the beep. She groaned and hung up the phone, immediately redialing it only to be met with his voicemail again. Callie flopped onto the bed as her mind raced. Was she too late?

Mark Sloan hoisted his duffle bag over his shoulder as he made his way through security. His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he hadn't heard it nor felt it. He made is way to gate 16 where his flight back to Seattle was boarding. As he sat down at the gate, his mind drifted to Callie. He knew he shouldn't be going, but he was giving her space. He thought it would be best for the both of them.

Flight 285 to Seattle is now boarding.

He picked up his duffle bag, squared his shoulders, and made his way to the gate, leaving behind the woman he loved. It's for the best.

2 months later

Callie hadn't talked to Mark since the morning he left. She had tried to call him everyday, but eventually it got to a point where she gave up hope. Cutting herself from all that was Mark Sloan had to be the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. Callie knew she would always love him. She could only hope that he would always love her too.

On her back from the grocery store, Callie stopped at a traffic light and leaned forward to turn up the radio. Jamming out to her favorite song, she didn't even see it coming.

Everything just went black.

"Hi, you've reached Mark Sloan, leave a message at the beep." Beep.

"Mark, it's Addie, Callie was in a car accident, she is in critical condition and they have to take the baby out. She really needs you here Mark. Call me back ASAP."

Mark Sloan could swear that he felt his heart drop to his feet in a matter of seconds. He couldn't think, he couldn't move, he could barely breath. No one knew how long he was standing there staring at his phone, but no one dared to disturb him.

When he finally got the oxygen to reach his brain, he moved. Running out of Seattle Grace still dressed in his scrubs he ran, he ran to his car, started it up and drove. He didn't even think to stop at home for clothes, he went straight to the airport. Calling ahead, he booked a flight that was leaving in 30 minutes. He ran stop signs, blazed through traffic lights and made it to the airport in record time. Not even bothering to park his car, he jumped out at the terminal and ran. Running past everyone in line, he demanded his plane ticket and took off once it was in his hand. On his way to security, he removed his shoes, watch and cell phone, he raced through security stopping only to grab his belongings. Running barefoot, he made his way to the gate and quickly boarded the plane.

Now he sat, on a plane to L.A. praying that Callie was okay. He prayed that the baby was going to be okay. He prayed that his family was going to be okay.

3 hours later he found himself seated between Addison and Pete in the hospital waiting room. Switching from pacing the halls, to sitting nervously, he jumped when the surgeon who worked on Callie came through the door. The doctor came up to the trio and spoke,

"She's going to be okay" They all sighed in relief at the doctor's words.

"The car crash caused a couple of broken ribs and a fractured tibia, other than that she will be fine." Each of them nodded,

"What about the baby?" The doctor smiled at Mark's question,

"The baby is doing well, perfect 8 pounds 7 ounces, it's a girl, congratulations." Mark felt like the world had lifted off his shoulders. He thanked the doctor and turned and enveloped Addison in a warm embrace. They pulled away, both having tears streaming down their faces.

They all shared a laugh and wiped the last of their tears,

"You go check on Callie, and me and Pete will go meet your new daughter" Mark nodded and turned to find the room Callie was being held in.

Before entering he stood at the door gazing at her. She looked so beautiful.

He moved further into the room and sat down in the chair next to Callie's bed.

Moving a little closer to her, he picked up her hand and cradled it gently in his. He lay his head down on her bed and prayed. This time thanking god for saving his family.